Helicobacter pylori is a form of bacteria responsible for most peptic ulcers, or open sores in your stomach, esophagus or duodenum lining. More than 25 million Americans will face an ulcer at some point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most can be cured within two weeks of taking antibiotics. Healthy dietary changes may help manage your symptoms and prevent ulcers from occurring in the first place. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Guidelines
Eating a diet rich in fiber, an indigestible carbohydrate prevalent in plant foods, may help prevent ulcers from forming and speed healing once you have one, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Emphasizing foods rich in antioxidants, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections, and flavonoids, which may inhibit the growth of H. pylori, may also help. For heightened comfort, take note of and avoid foods that worsen your symptoms, such as abdominal pain, indigestion and heartburn.
Optimum Foods
Women should aim for 21 to 25 g of fiber per day, according to MayoClinic.com, and men should consume 30 to 38 grams. Legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are your best bests for fiber. One cup of cooked split peas or lentils provides 15.5 to 16.5 g of fiber. Raspberries, broccoli, oatmeal, barley and peas provide 5 to 8 g per cup. Valuable sources of flavonoids include cranberries, cranberry juice, apples, onions, garlic, celery and tea. If you're prone to heartburn or indigestion, choose lean, mild-seasoned protein sources, such as skinless white-meat poultry, egg whites, soy milk and low-fat yogurt. The healthy bacteria contained in yogurt with "live active cultures" may help reduce the effects of H. pylori.
Foods to Limit
To allow for plentiful intake of fiber-rich foods, limit refined foods, such as enriched pasta, bread, cereals and processed snack foods, such as potato chips, candy and pretzels. The UMMC recommends limiting coffee and carbonated beverages, which can increase stomach acid. Spicy foods, such as hot peppers, salsa, miso paste and chili, may worsen existing ulcer symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
In a study published in "Helicobacter" in August 2008, 347 people with H. pylori consumed yogurt with or without three strains of probiotics for one to three weeks. Researchers found that probiotics increased the eradication rate of H. pylori.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Helicobacter Pylori and Peptic Ulcer Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peptic Ulcer
- MayoClinic.com: High-Fiber Foods
- "Helicobacter"; The Effects of Probiotics on PPI-Triple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication; Mi Na Kim et al.; Aug. 2008
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